First - Find Inspiration
Google and Pinterest exists for a reason - use it!
As a photographer, I can sometimes find myself in a creative rut, searching for that spark of inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. When that happens, Pinterest is my secret weapon. It’s amazing how quickly I can dive into a sea of images, and almost instantly, I’m flooded with ideas and a renewed sense of excitement. The vast library of visuals can provide just the right nudge to reignite my creativity, whether it's a new pose, lighting technique, or concept to explore.
But here's the thing—when you're searching for inspiration for your own photo session, it’s not just about pinning a bunch of pretty pictures. Take a moment to notice patterns and similarities in what you’re saving:
- What's the location of the images that you're pinning? Are they in a studio with a plain backdrop? Are they in a home, or at the lake?
- Are you drawn to the casual vibe of dark jeans and a simple shirt? Or do you prefer the elegance of a flowy dress, watching how it moves in the breeze?
- Pay attention to the colors that catch your eye. Do you tend to lean towards soft, muted tones, or are you more attracted to bold, vibrant hues?
- Are they styles reflect current fashion, or does it give off a vintage vibe?
These little details are key to understanding your personal style, and they can make a huge difference when choosing what to wear for your photo session.
I had a recent experience during a branding session where my client expressed that she loved the final images, but they weren’t exactly what she had envisioned. My heart sank when I heard this because my goal as a photographer is always to deliver the best service and create images that my clients adore. We sat down for a video call to go over the session details and discuss what she was looking for in more depth. That’s when we dug into her Pinterest board of inspiration—and that’s when everything clicked. By reviewing the images she had pinned, I was able to understand the specific vibe she was after, and I quickly realized how I could adjust my approach to align with her vision.
This experience reminded me of an important lesson: as photographers, we sometimes assume that our clients automatically know how to translate their inspiration into a specific style or mood for their session. But the truth is, it's not always that clear-cut. That’s why open communication is key. Sharing your Pinterest board or talking through your ideas with your photographer can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the final images reflect exactly what you're hoping for.
So, if you're planning a photo session, don't be afraid to dive into Pinterest, gather some inspiration, and have a conversation with your photographer. The more you can communicate about your preferences, the more likely it is that your photographer can deliver images that truly capture your personality, style, and vision.
Then Consider These 3 Contributing Factors:
Once you’ve worked closely with your photographer, you should have a solid understanding of the vibe and mood of your upcoming session. By now, you’ve likely already locked in the time, date, and location for your photoshoot, and the only thing left to figure out is what in the world to wear. Choosing the right outfits can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life, so let’s dive into how to approach this final step!
The key to selecting the perfect wardrobe is to start by considering the vibe, location, and anticipated weather of your session depending on the season. These three elements will serve as the foundation for building your outfits—both for yourself and your family members. By aligning your wardrobe with these factors, you’ll ensure that your photos feel cohesive, authentic, comfortable, and true to the essence of your family.
Family Session Edition
- Vibe: The family is looking for simple, classic portraits with an emphasis on celebrating their daughter’s second birthday. They want the photos to be playful and fun, capturing not only the free-spiritedness of their daughter but also the unique personalities of each family member, all while showcasing their connection as a family unit.
- Location: The session will take place in a rented studio space near Cincinnati, a central location for both the family and the photographer, which offers a beautiful, simple backdrop for their portraits in the comfort of an air conditioned, naturally lit space. The family is aiming for a light, airy, and bright look, wanting their outfits to complement the neutral backdrop of the studio space.
- Season: With the session taking place at the end of summer, the weather will be warm, even within an air conditioned studio. Staying comfortable and practical, knowing that they're going to be chasing around their 2 year old.
What the Family Wore:
Taking all these elements into account, the family decided to go with a combination of denim and light fabrics that complemented the playful, relaxed vibe they were going for. The daughter wore an adorable, blue denim romper and a pair of simple white socks that showcased her joyful, free-spirited 2 year old personality, while the parents opted for simple, coordinated outfits that didn’t overpower the fun and simple nature of the session. The light colors worked beautifully with the white and terracotta backdrops of the studio, and the light fabric and casual jean choices kept everyone comfortable as they moved and played.
Couples Session Edition
- Vibe: This recently engaged couples was looking to showcase their personal styles, and sprinkle in a little of how they spend their free time - outdoors and/or on a bike.
- Location: This session, we decided on 2 locations with slightly different vibes. We settled on a rooftop parking garage to show off their cool bike in a more urban setting, and then ended the session with a picturesque nature backdrop right around sunset.
- Season: With the session taking place in mid summer, staying comfortable in the heat is a priority, while also showcasing their individual styles and paying homage to their upcoming wedding.
What the Couple Wore:
To kick off their session, this couple went for a laid-back, casual vibe that perfectly captured their personal styles. The future groom kept things comfortable yet stylish with a classic long sleeve shirt, his favorite jeans, and his signature bandana—an accessory he’s known for wearing while riding. It was a perfect reflection of his easygoing, adventurous nature. Meanwhile, the future bride embraced her bold, feminine side with a pair of her favorite boots, high-waisted jeans, and a chic cropped black top that added just the right amount of flirtiness to the look. Together, they looked effortlessly cool, showcasing their unique personalities and creating a relaxed, yet stylish vibe for the first part of their session.
For their second look, they decided to turn up the heat a little and go for a summer date night style. The bride slipped into a stunning, sexy red dress that hugged her beautifully, adding a touch of romance and elegance to the shoot. The groom switched to a simple yet sharp pairing of dark jeans and a black shirt, balancing his laid-back style with a hint of sophistication. Both rocked their favorite pair of boots—the same ones they wore for their elopement at Red River Gorge—adding a meaningful personal touch to the outfits. This second look was the perfect blend of casual and elevated, capturing their love story with a bit more polish while still staying true to who they are as a couple.
Finally, Utilize What's In Your Closet
You might be surprised to learn that you probably already have the perfect pieces in your closet to build the foundation of your outfit for your session—without the need to spend extra money on new clothes. Instead of rushing out to buy something new, take a moment to look at what you already own. Often, the key to a great outfit is incorporating your personal style, and what better way to do that than by using items you already feel confident in? This not only saves you money, but it also allows you to create a look that feels more authentic and true to you.
Start with the basics you love, and you’ll be amazed at how easily you can put together a look that’s both stylish and photogenic. Don't overthink it!
In "Clothing"
Choosing the right outfit for your photo session doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By starting with the inspiration you’ve gathered, considering the vibe, location, and season, and utilizing the pieces already in your closet, you’ll be able to create a look that’s both stylish and authentic.
If there is one thing that I can emphasize from this entire blog post, remember, the best photos come from feeling comfortable and confident, and that often begins with wearing something you love. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to step into your session feeling like the best version of yourself for your session!
